Monaco Grand Prix Secured Through 2035

 

Formula 1’s crown jewel is here to stay. The Monaco Grand Prix has officially extended its agreement with the Automobile Club de Monaco (ACM), locking the Principality’s iconic street race onto the calendar until at least 2035. The deal secures another decade of glamour, high-stakes drama, and historic moments in Monte Carlo.

The announcement, made Friday 5th September, ends years of uncertainty that saw short-term renewals and tense negotiations over hosting fees, limited overtaking, and television production rights. With this extension, Monaco now holds one of the longest contracts in F1, joining Madrid, Bahrain, Australia, Miami and Austria in securing its future well into the next decade.

ACM President Michel Boeri called the deal “a reaffirmation of our commitment to delivering an exceptional, unmatched and world-renowned race weekend,” while thanking Prince Albert II for his decisive role in moving talks forward. The Prince himself welcomed the extension, stressing Monaco’s “deep attachment” to the tradition and its unique place in global motorsport. F1 President Stefano Domenicali echoed the sentiment, describing the race as “an iconic event loved by all drivers and fans.”

The news follows a turbulent period in which Monaco’s place on the grid was often questioned. A six-year deal signed in 2024 initially stabilized matters, but this new four-year add-on finally provides the long-term security organizers were seeking.

Last year’s race produced history when local hero Charles Leclerc claimed a landmark first home victory for a Monegasque driver in the World Championship era. This year, however, a controversial two-pit-stop rule overshadowed McLaren’s Lando Norris’s win, with drivers and fans alike dismissing the format as ineffective. Despite criticism, the rule will return in 2026 as organizers push for more strategic intrigue.

One key change is already set: the 2026 Monaco Grand Prix will shift to 5–7 June, avoiding a clash with the Indianapolis 500 and streamlining F1’s European schedule.

With its future secured, Monaco now has over a decade to continue blending sport, spectacle and prestige like nowhere else in the racing world.

LGBTQIA+ Côte d’Azur Center Hosts Fall Kickoff Event in Nice

 

The LGBTQIA+ Côte d’Azur Center is ringing in the new season with its annual fall kickoff event, taking place on Sunday, September 14 at 5 p.m. at the Center on rue Cathy Richeux in Nice.

The evening will feature a presentation of the association’s upcoming activities, a special exhibition, speeches, music, and of course, a convivial apéritif to bring the community together.

Admission is free and open to all, making it a perfect opportunity to connect, celebrate, and discover the wonderful programs the Center has planned for the months ahead.

The White Lotus Rumored to Set Season 4 in France

 

Word is that creator Mike White and HBO have set their sights on France as the backdrop for the highly anticipated fourth season of The White Lotus, the Emmy-winning murder-mystery dramedy.

Thanks to HBO’s ongoing partnership with the Four Seasons hotel chain—which doubles as the fictional White Lotus resorts—speculation has zeroed in on the legendary Grand-Hôtel du Cap-Ferrat. Perched dramatically on the tip of the peninsula, the Riviera landmark has long drawn Hollywood’s elite, with Cannes and Monaco just a stone’s throw away.

Still, nothing is locked in. Much like Season 3 in Thailand, which combined the Four Seasons Koh Samui with three other resorts, Season 4 is expected to feature multiple hotels. Whether a French Four Seasons property will anchor the story remains to be seen. Fueling the Riviera buzz, White was recently spotted staying at Nice’s historic Hotel Negresco, a Belle Époque treasure that echoes the grandeur of Cap-Ferrat.

France offers three Four Seasons options: the Cap-Ferrat on the Riviera, the alpine retreat in Megève, and the glamorous Hotel George V in Paris. Each presents a unique tone—Cap-Ferrat aligns with the beachside luxury of Seasons 1–3 (Hawaii, Italy, Thailand), Megève could deliver a snowy twist, and Paris would plunge the series into an urban, romantic setting. But White has admitted to hating the cold, which makes Megève a risky choice, especially if production starts before late spring.

At the close of Season 3, White teased a shift in direction: “For the fourth season, I want to get a little bit out of the crashing waves of vernacular rocks, but there’s always more room for more murders at the White Lotus hotels.”

Location scouting was originally planned for spring but postponed to summer, as White took a breather after wrapping Season 3. With the show’s most recent installment scoring 23 Emmy nominations, expectations are sky-high.

Locals on the Côte d’Azur, meanwhile, are divided. Some welcome the global spotlight and economic boost, while others fear that a Riviera-set season could unleash another wave of overtourism. I personally think this region is a most beautiful and intriguing location option along with its history that helped make it what it is today.

Cannes Yachting Festival 2025: Tradition Meets Innovation in a Landmark 48th Edition Jameson Farn

 

From September 9 to 14, 2025, Cannes will once again transform into the world capital of yachting as it welcomes the 48th edition of the Cannes Yachting Festival. With more than 710 boats expected, including nearly 150 world premieres, and 670 exhibitors confirmed, the event cements its reputation as Europe’s largest in-water boat show.

Preparations are in full swing between the Vieux Port and Port Canto, where pontoons and exhibition spaces are rapidly taking shape. “We can’t wait to welcome back exhibitors and visitors. The setup is progressing perfectly thanks to the invaluable support of our partners and service providers,” says Sylvie Ernoult, Show Director, adding: “As every year, the Cannes Yachting Festival opens the season by showcasing an exceptional lineup.”

The 2025 edition maintains the sectorized layout introduced in recent years, ensuring an optimized visitor experience. The Vieux Port will host around 360 new motorboats, ranging from 12 to 45 meters, alongside the Power Cat Village, the Tenders and Motorists areas, and the Equipment Village. Over at Port Canto, visitors will find 125 brand-new sailboats, the Power Boat Marina with 180 vessels under 13 meters, a dedicated water toys zone, and a brokerage area showcasing 45 pre-owned yachts from 25 to 55 meters.

Building on the success of 2024—which drew over 55,000 visitors from 130 countries—the 2025 show underscores the industry’s strong momentum. Once again, the “Innovation Route” will spotlight eco-efficient solutions, with forty pioneering projects selected by a jury of experts. Four standout innovations will receive awards during the show’s opening, recognizing advancements in sustainable technology, alternative energy, and the sailing experience.

Beyond its dazzling fleet displays, the Cannes Yachting Festival remains a major economic driver for the French Riviera and a global showcase of Côte d’Azur expertise. Cannes itself was named “World’s Best Destination for Festivals and Events” for the third consecutive year at the 2024 World Travel Awards, reaffirming its unrivaled ability to attract and unite the world’s leading players in the nautical sector.